With the rip-roaring success of the first-ever ARRL Rookie Roundup this past April -- modeled on the popular Novice Roundups from a decade or two ago -- the ARRL is pleased to announce that a second Rookie Roundup is this coming this Sunday, August 15 from 1800-2350 UTC.

“We’re happy that the Rookie Roundup is once again upon us,” said ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X. “This event generated a lot of fun and activity, despite some technical issues back in April. We’ve simplified score reporting for now, but will continue to work toward real-time scoring and adjudication over the coming months. Get on the air and work the new hams!’

The Rookie Roundup is scheduled to occur three times a year: April, August and December. The original plan was for the April event to be SSB, RTTY in August and have a CW event in December. But with the popularity of the SSB event in April, contest organizers decided to repeat the SSB event in August; the RTTY Rookie Roundup will debut in August 2011.

You don’t have to be a rookie to participate. For the purpose of the Rookie Roundup, a “rookie” is defined as someone who has been licensed for three years or less, regardless of license class. If you received your license in 2008, 2009 or 2010, you are eligible to compete as a rookie. Non-rookies are encouraged to work the rookies and be an Elmer to those just starting out. It is an immediate, hands-on way to teach good operating practices to those just getting started.

As logs do not need to be submitted, participants may log the contest any way they desire. The only thing you need to submit is a summary of your score. All entrants must report their score summary using the Rookie Roundup Online Score Summary Form. Kutzko warns that if this form is not used, you are not entered and your score will not count.